San Francisco 49ers lose Kendall Hunter to ACL injury

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter has reportedly torn his ACL during practice on Friday, likely ending his 2014 campaign early.

Hunter, 25, fell down with an apparent knee injury in a non-contact drill, was checked by the team’s medical staff and walked off the field to the locker room on his own, according to CSNBayArea.com.

As a proven backup for Frank Gore, Hunter had rushed for 1,202 yards in his three seasons with San Francisco. Hunter rushed for three touchdowns and a 4.6 yards-per-carry last season.

Even with the loss of Hunter, San Francisco still has some talent that could replace him. Rookie second round pick Carlos Hyde, LaMichael James and Jewel Hampton will compete for the backup running back spot; as will Marcus Lattimore who is still rehabbing his knee, according to ninernoise.com. James has been used mostly as a returner for special teams, but could now earn some more touches out of the backfield.